In your opinion, which of the following has the greatest negative
impact on the public's ability to fully embrace massage therapy?

Results:

Prejudice
10.0%
Misinformation
30.3%
Lack of Information
59.6%

Total Respondents: 508

Comments:

Note: These comments are reproduced as written by visitors
to this Web site.
They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling.

sylvieunm.eduMisinformation Massage has come a long way and more people
use massage for relaxation as well as for medical reasons. (both physical
and mental). Those who stay away however, I believe do so due to their
own misinformation re: body work. Often, people do not realize the
extensive training involved not the research conducted which supports
the value of massage. I am a licensed Clinical Social worker so I
can legally touch and speak to clients. I spend alot of time educating
my psychotherapy clients about integrating body and mind. Incidentally,
I graduated from the Swedish Institute(1990) in NYC and had an excellent
experience.
Thanks for this publication.
sylvie Varenne LISW LMT
AnonymousPrejudice I work full time in a hospital setting as a
registered nurse, and part time massage therapist after hours. I find
that some of the more "religious" physicians have a definite predjudice
about massage.It feels like the more I try to promote massage as an
aid to healing, the more they hold me and it at arms length. It's
unfortunate, because, I feel that there could be alot of beneficial
work done, especially since with the nursing shortage, the nurses
don't have alot of time to spend working "hands on" with the patients.Bob_Salisburyhotmail.comLack of Information I believe that US Western medicine
has become so intertwined with the economics of the country that it's
heavy dependence on chemical and technological solutions makes any
modality not dependent on them undesirable to both the mainstream
health profession and the politics that govern it. There's no profit
in a hospital that doesn't use (and bill for that use) their equipment.
There's no profit for the pharmaceutical companies in supporting a
modality that doesn't use their products. And there's no profit for
insurance companies (who invests heavily in medicine and medical equipment
manufactureres) to support MT for the same reasons. Mainstream media
will support those organizations that buy their advertising products
(commercials), and therefore will find profit in subtly casting MT
in a bad light.
It is up to us, the MT's to get the truth out to the general public
through word of mouth. I fear that it is unlikely that MT will ever
gain the respect it deserves unless it becomes a major player in the
economics and politics of the country. Just publishing the truth won't
do it.cq_cosmicqueenhotmail.comLack of Information Due to the lack of proper information
being awarded by the medical community and support this opens the
doors for prejudice and misinformation. Hence, massage therapy will
not hold a viable space in the arena with prestiegue as long as the
negative attitudes by numerous medical professional continue.

I understand that this is a long standing problem within the health
care system, but I do not have to accept it. I beleive that every
doctor should have a massage therapist on staff. The massage therapist
could be that valium that a particular patient may need. He/she could
be that prozac to help lighten the dark cloud.

I have a friend that suffered from terrible migraines and for years
was treated by many doctors from all ranges of the profession. One
massage therapist on a healing journey of her own showed this young
lady of 25 years of age to a better life without toxins of various
medications that were in fact diagnosed as the root cause. Her compassion
and love for the individual was the light that was needed to touch
the truth inside her soul. Today the 29 year old woman is living a
healthy life through healing touch and nutrition, herbs, reflexology
and various other modalities within the spectrum of holisitc medicine
to include colon cleansing. Her family is healthier due to her suffering
and healing. Now that is what I call life and living!lemonlinebee.netLack of Information simple ignorance and previous association
are some of the major obstacles that need to be overcome. When adequately
educated with an example of the healing benefits...how could anyone
say no??????
AnonymousMisinformation In my rural area, therapeutic massage is
still confused in the public mind with "massage parlors" (read-prostitution).
Anonymous The massage and chiropractic professions should press
charges of slander and defamation of character against the twit who
wrote those slanderous comments. Maybe if he ends up in jail or with
a hefty fine and a couple thousand hours of public servive to perform
he would grow up.
AnonymousLack of Information The American public does not yet fully
understand that massage can be utilized for more than just relaxation
as with Swedish style maassage. A massive educational campaign must
take place which informs the public of the benefits of other syles
of massage that are beneficial for orthopedic conditions, balancing
meridians, lymph drainage, stimulating growth in premature infants,
genaral well being, etc.. A large part of the problem is the lack
of education about professional massage to our elected officials.
Some state delegates have been around so long that they still hold
onto the stigma that massage is connected with prostitution, making
it difficult to get favorable laws passed. They need to understand
that when massage practioners are liscensed or certified there is
relatively less impropriety due to training in professional ethics
and the want on the part of the practioner to be seen as an ethical
and well trained health care provider. Another part of the problem
is that we live in a very litegeous society where the victim mentality
rules. This prevents practioners from dealing with tough medically
oriented cases for fear of being sued. Without dealing with these
tougher cases, it will be hard to break the pattern of massage being
just for relaxation and pampering.HATEvsLOVEhotmail.comPrejudice I am in school (in Toronto) for massage therapy
and I feel I am always explaining THERAPIST, not MASSEUR! It's better
now that I am not explaining to high school guys, but still a lot
of immediate, incorrect assumptions.
-B Manzak
AnonymousLack of Information There is still a general myth among
people that don't exactly understand what some of us pros in the field
of massage therapy are capable of doing for them. Most poeple still
think that massage is a luxury item for only well to do folks. And
there are lots of poeple that still think we provide are services
too expensively. I come across a lots of poeple that don't know they
can come to us and get some relief from aches and pains that they
have been suffering from, which they didin't get very much result
from chiropractic work, or physical therapy. Please understand that
I am not condemning their work at all but for the of better health
when the muscles are tight and in spasm, then allignment or excesive
exercises will not help the problem. Plus note next time when you
attend your advance courses for your CEs. You can easilly find out
that some the attendees are chiros or PTs. So overall we are pretty
good in helping poeple their skeletomuscular problems. So lets get
out there and help the public awareness.
AnonymousPrejudice I'm a licensed massage therapist i Louisiana.
A lot of people, and I mean A LOT, still think of prostitution when
they think about massage. There are still laws governing "sexually
oriented businesses" even though it is not legal to participate in
something of that nature! Thank goodness for licensure for massage
therapists here, because we have been separated from the other kind
of business. Most of this perception is probably due to a lack of
information from the massage community - it isn't large here, especially
in northern part of the state.mahanalmtyahoo.comMisinformation actually its a little bit of all three,
and as a profession there are times we need to educate ourselves before
we can educate others...thanks for a great publication for the massage
profession!!
AnonymousMisinformation i think alot of people dont know the true
benefits of massage therapy. alot of people just think of prostitution.
you try to explain the benefits but whether or not they actually listened
& believe that its not just some cover-up for prostitution. hopefully
one day, as the career keeps growing & getting more recognition people
will respect it!
AnonymousMisinformation I feel that the greatest negative impact
may stem from misinformation. There is definitly, I feel, a plethora
of info out there about what massage therapy is and how it can benefit
a client. The gap that is created may come from the lack of educating
the clients, the general public, and/or related medical fields.tigger1957hotmail.comMisinformation I wonder can you recommend a good school
for Massage therapy in South East Ga. As well as Fla.? Thank You Kindly,
Kathy Gardnermizzgaylaaol.comMisinformation As one who has benefitted greatly from
breast massage (reduction of lymphedema and remarkable changes in
scarring and hard tissue), I am amazed that after a surgical procedure
like a lumpectomy, etc., we aren't informed by our doctors that there
IS continueing treatment that is necessary.

I wished I had had this information soon after my surgery. I can only
imagine the positive impact. It has been 8 years since my surgery
and I stumbled across information about the benefits of breast massage.
I was fortunate to find a therapist to work with me, and the change
in the appearance of my skin, scar is more than I thought possible.

Women NEED this information. It's just not out there. I only stumbled
over it myself.cjensen61hotmail.comLack of Information I am a college student and the college
has brought massage therapists in at finals time to help many frenzied
and nervous students. I can tell you that it makes a WORLD of difference
in the way I feel. I am so relaxed after a massage that I could be
put to bed and sleep for a year. I feel so relaxed and unstressed!!!
I love massage and would like to find out where I could get a massage
for a lesser price. RRJGUMBYAOL.COMLack of Information I HAVE BEEN A MASSAGE THERAPIST FOR
MORE THAT TWENTY FOUR YEARS...I STARTED MY CAREER IN CUBA WORKING
WITH OLYMPIC ATHLETES AND I WENT BACK TO SCHOOL IN USA TO RENEW MY
LICENSE IN THE STATES.......IN MY LONG CAREER I HAVE NOTICED THAT
SPECIALLY IN THIS COUNTRY MASSAGE HAVE BEEN LINKED TO SEX FOR SUCH
A LONG TIME THAT IS ON MOST PEOPLE MIND THAT MASSAGE HAVE NO MEDICAL
BENEFITS AT ALL AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC VIEW MASSAGE AS A SEXUAL PRACTICE...EDUCATION
IS NEEDEDsharondundeeMisinformation I believe that both misinformation AND
lack of
information are so closely related its hard to choose.
Either way, massage is definitely not being presented
to the general public in ways that educate AND
eliminate false assumptions. I think tie-ins with
established, "accepted" practices will help to convey
its importance and lend "legitimacy" joanpathaywood.main.nc.us The greatest negative impact for massage comes from pornography
and prostitution. I still hear comments that are derogatory about
massage. You never hear those types of things about PT/OT services.camjacpicknowl.com.auMisinformation 1 In Australia the SEX industry has maligned
and misinformed the public attitude and knowledge of the Massage Practitioner.

2 Any hint of sexual misconduct by one Practitioner can seriously
jeopardise attitudes towards all other PractitionersAngiekrmtaol.comLack of Information I think there is a certain stigma
that follows massage but most people I find, just don't know and are
embarrassed to ask.
Angie Krakora RMT of Bastrop, TXMassageCASaol.comLack of Information Many people are uninformed about the
many
types of massage available or how a particular
modality may best benefit them. The questions
new clients ask indicate this. It seems that many
pick up que words and try to sort it out from there.
The experience of any particular modality in
bodywork speaks more loudly than printed words.
Even word of mouth cannot adequately express
the experience and that alone is so variable from
one individual to another.essentialenergyjuno.comPrejudice most people feel that 6 months of education
doesn't hold much value compared to other professional therapist,
with 2 and 4 year degrees. new york state hasn't given massage therapist
the credit they deserves. yet the ny massage state board is comparabale
to various other state boards. once they force insurance companies
to reinburse massage by anybody licensed to do massage, we will not
go beyond the recognition that we have now
AnonymousLack of Information as soon as the medical community recommends
massage instead of just pushing medication, massage therapy will be
more greatly accepted. kathy in rhode islandTMahon0691aol.com Americans mistake massage as a luxury, not as a serious
wellness effort. When added to an underlying American proclivity towards
guilt, anything that makes you feel as good as massage must be illegal,
immoral and fattening. I've seen it in the eyes of people who've had
their first massage. A tough combination to beat.cpakozdiaol.comMisinformation Massage today is where Chiropractic was
25 years ago. we will need full acceptance by the medical profession
before the general public look to massage therapy as a viable optionrehabcogeco.caMisinformation The massage therapy field is riddled with
misconception and often out right lies.
This hampers the growth of the massage therapy field. AlexxLMTaol.comLack of Information It seems that there is still to many
people who associate Massage Therapy with "massage parlor" of the
past. As Massage professionals it is up to us to teach the public
at large that it is not some "backroom" operation to be ashamed of
it is a ligitimate treatment option for some problems and that we
can work with other heath care providers to help people.

AlexxEditorialMassageToday.com This notice is to reiterate to all users of the Massage
Poll that while comments are appreciated and encouraged, continuing
abuse of this privilege, either by use of offensive language and/or
inappropriate or meaningless language, will result in the elimination
of this option from Massage Poll. Please keep your comments on a professional
level, as they are intended to foster constructive communication within
the massage profession.

Thank you,

Peter W. Crownfield
Managing Editor,
Massage Todaytcnewthought1aol.com I have been a practicing massage therapist for 11 years.
In all this time there have only been two reasons why people did not
embrace massage therapy as a valid therapeutic modality: 1) lack of
information as to benefits, what actually happens in a massage session,
price, etc. and 2) being a person who does not appreciate or desire
"touch" in general which, of course, would include massage therapy.
Otherwise, after education/information the results have all been positive.
After doing over 15K hours of massage, these are the only two significant
reasons people have not embraced massage up to that point in their
lives. After that point - - - excellent results!lmandwhitite3earthlink.netLack of Information I believe lack of hands on experience
turns people off they need and like to be touched...but there is
fear or misinterpretation....perhaps it is NEED...
some folks have difficulty asking for something they
need..and that would make them feel bettermcgillranchearthlink.netLack of Information I feel that both misinformation and
lack of information lead to the wrong idea of what a massage threapist
is. ther need to be more teaching of the public by licensed massgae
therapist. As a nurse of 30+ years I have noticed the back massages
we were taught to give paitents did help the patients.
I remember one patient who wanted me to go home with
him. I told him that would not be possible since I was already married.
Sincerely yours
Mrs. Carolyn W. McGill,L.P.N.nratonyearthlink.netLack of Information i do need a good man or woman to
work me over at home or other.what are the rates and the time and
how can i contact one. as long as you know the ropes, lets get it
on.if you are good then you have a steady job.gumball1earthlink.netMisinformation Personally I think all three. People today
form opinions before or without asking questions!!
Anonymous My Goodness! MassageToday please exercise your rights
stated below and delete the letter from the perverted one. This 65
year old great grandmother is still blushing.

marchvaluelinx.netLack of Information I was not sure whether to put this
under misinformation or lack of information since my comment addresses
a blend of both.

Many people are uncomfortable with the idea that they must take
off all their clothing to have a massage. Many others do not like
to have oil applied to their body.

Information that effective, tension releasing, dry massage applied
to the fully clothed body is available might appeal to many folks
who have not tried massage for the above reasons.

AnonymousLack of Information I am totally suprised that bendover@bearnet
was able to read and comprehend anything on this web site. It's a
shame in this day and age of free education, that some of our children
are not being educated in the three basics. I'm not appalled by the
comments, just really saddened that another life will be on the streets,
begging for money to feed an alcohol or drug problem, as by the response
this person is not qualified for any type of employment.

I am outraged at MassageToday.com for editing the post....as the misnomer
below states; sic...MassageToday.com reserves the right to edit or
delete posts containing inappropriate or meaningless language. (Example:
One massage therapist's comment on a managed care company was simply,
"It (the company) stinks." Please keep your comments on a professional
level.
bad_barbhotmail.comMisinformation Many times magazine articles in national
magazines don't explain massage treatments altogether correctly nor
do they explain body treatments correctly. Also, TV does'nt portray
massage therapist realistically. And even some massage buisness will
call their massage a" theraputic massage", when in reality all massage
is theraputic.
Anonymous None of the above. I feel that undereducated therapists
are the greatest negative impact. On the whole, therapist are still
not trained to be healthcare practitioners that can work professionally
with other healthcare professionals. Skill level is often poor due
to inadequate education. This creates a negative impact on our profession
and it follows through to create a negative image for the people who
refer to us and the people who are referred to us.Ladyannablueyahoo.comPrejudice I have a diagnosis of Cervical Disc Degeneration
progressive, herniated disc between C6-7 which is is already intruding
on my spinal column which is what I presume my Cervical Spondylosis
is about ... this chronic pain and everything else started with me
about 14 years ago, I am now only 48 ...

...when I tell people that I have a massage physical therapy appointment,
they all say that that is a nice luxury ... I tell them it's like
having a workout on your neck and back and is definitely not luxurious
not when therapists have to use their elbows to get deep into my pain
locations ... right now my Massage Therapist is considering discharging
me as I will never be 100% - what he doesn't seem to understand is
that these therapy sessions keep me loose enough to enjoy a couple
of days until the next session ... he has asked me to arrange an appt
with my Pain Management Doctor and see what he says, this has thrown
me in a viscious cycle of Chronic Pain (which is always there anyway)
and Major Depression - I am on Disability and am not sure if Medicare
has these same prejudices or if they are advancing their thinking
about the 'medical necessity' for Massage Therapy ... I surely hope
so ...YourAnAssbornstupid.comLack of Information The comments by the idiot with the
profanity are the precise reason why public forums are not more prevelant
(who wants to listen to that nonsense). Maturity unfortunately does
not come with age, It's a learned behavior. Some parents just don't
try hard enough or care, and this is what we get.

Disgusted!Mattaki1aol.comMisinformation I constantly hear people explain what they
have heard or think they know to be facts about the massage profession.weepeachhotmail.comLack of Information Even though I am only a high school
student with no qualifications, just a huge amount of interest in
massage, I can see how the public is influenced my media AND other
people to think that massage either doesn't work, or is a joke. When
today's medicine points all its patients to medication and drugs for
healing (or atleast to numb the pain) how are we supposed to help
them? Massage needs to be integrated into the hospital system so patients
have a choice, to heal naturally, or to pump themselves full of medication.
We need to inform!erezpeleg.org lack of ability to enjoy touch is my opinion.pandoramaui.netMisinformation The media, whether it be movie makers or
television shows, almost always portray us massage therapists as either
prostitutes or at the very least, airheads and ditzy. Hopefully, one
day, media producers will become enlighntened enough to receive bodywork.

Thankfully, here in Maui. the licensing laws are strong and massage
therapy is highly respected.

We are touch hungry -- and touch phobic.
Including ME. I was 53 years old before I had my first massage --
and 55 when I graduated from Massage college.
AnonymousLack of Information i think in todays society that people
are not informed of the great benifits that massage has. I am a student
currently taking massage therapy and i find that people are still
wanting to take medications instead of trying to heal themselves naturaly.
This is such a shame. Oh well hopefully by me being out in the work
force i can make a difference.
AnonymousLack of Information People today rely so much on Western
Medicine that they have it in their minds that only a doctor can fix
something. They don't understand the body, mind, and spirit are all
connected. Sometimes I work on clients that tell me "don't touch that
spot on my neck... its sensitive and the doctor told me to avoid touching
that area". So misinformed! What a great healthcare would be if it
always offered master practitioners of holistic and western approaches.
Hooray!